The offender is described as a man around 6ft 3in tall and of muscular build. He was wearing a grey tracksuit top and possibly matching bottoms, white trainers with a dark colour at the side and black knitted gloves and balaclava.

Said PC Emma Taylorson: “This was a cowardly attack on an elderly and vulnerable woman and we are urging any witnesses or anyone with information to get in touch.

“We’d also like to hear from anyone who knows the whereabouts of any of the victim’s belongings.”

Anyone who can help should contact South Yorkshire Police on: 101 and quote incident number 969 of 9 February, 2014. Alternatively people can call Crimestoppers anonymously on: 0800 555111.